COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

PHYS 1493

Experiment 6:

Geometrical Optics

Introduction

Although light behaves as a wave, if the dimensions used in an experiment are sufficiently large, we can neglect diffraction and interference effects. Hence, in this experiment we represent the propagation of light as a series of rays which follow straight lines (in optically homogeneous media). Results from ordinary geometry can then be used to aid our investigations.

Equipment Needed

• 6.1 Reflection

• 6.2 Refraction

• 6.3 Lenses

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